Botany

The Department of Botany at MES Kalladi College, Mannarkkad, has a rich academic legacy closely aligned with the institution’s growth. Established initially as part of the Biology Department in 1967, it became an independent department in 1971 under the leadership of Ms. Leelama Sebastian. The B.Sc. Botany programme began with Chemistry and Zoology as subsidiary subjects, with its first batch graduating in 1973–1974. By 2025, the department had  successfully completed 52 undergraduate batches, producing graduates who have excelled in higher education, research, teaching, agriculture, environmental science, and allied sectors.

The curriculum has evolved with academic reforms, including the implementation of CBCSS in 2019 and the FYUGP framework from 2024. To enhance research orientation, an M.Sc. Botany programme (self-financing) was introduced in 2015, focusing on advanced knowledge and practical skills.

Located near the Silent Valley National Park, the department integrates field-based learning, biodiversity studies, and environmental initiatives. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering both classical and modern botany, supported by student-centric methods such as fieldwork, projects, and certificate courses like mushroom and microgreen cultivation.